Simple, actionable strategies to help small businesses and creators thrive on Instagram this year.

Let’s be honest, keeping up with the Instagram algorithm can feel like a full-time job. But the good news? You can work with the algorithm instead of against it.

Whether you’re a small business owner or content creator, these 10 curated tips will help you beat the algorithm blues and make Instagram a powerful part of your marketing strategy in 2025.

Summer can be a quiet season for many small businesses, especially if you're in apparel, fitness, or personal care. Clients are on vacation, routines are off, and sales can dip. But a slower season doesn’t have to mean lost momentum — in fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to work on your business rather than in it.

Read the blog for some ideas to make the most of these slower months!

One of the biggest mistakes I see small businesses make on social media is simple: they post... and then disappear.

It’s what I like to call “posting and ghosting.” And while I totally understand that you’re busy (you’ve got a business to run and a million other things on your plate), this habit could be costing you big when it comes to reach, engagement, and follower growth.

So here’s the truth: if you want your posts to work for you, you’ve got to engage.

But don’t worry. I’m not suggesting you spend hours scrolling your feed. In as little as 30 minutes a day, you can make a real impact. The social media algorithm will reward you for it.

Summer is the season of festivals, farmers' markets, concerts, outdoor movies, and community celebrations. For small businesses, these events aren’t just a fun distraction—they're golden opportunities to connect with your community and market your products in smart, seasonal ways.

If you're not already tapping into the power of local events, it's time to start. Here's how to use summer happenings in your area to attract attention, boost sales, and grow your brand.

June is just around the corner, and for many small businesses, it’s a time of transition. The school year is winding down, summer is on the horizon, and your customers’ routines are about to shift. That means your marketing should, too.

Whether you're a retailer, restaurant, service provider, or food business, here are some creative and timely June marketing ideas to help you stay top-of-mind and boost sales before summer officially kicks off.

Toronto is currently experiencing its coolest late May since 1967. Instead of backyard BBQs, patio cocktails, and warm-weather shopping, people are bundled up and staying in. If your business depends on seasonal weather (like selling sandals, running outdoor events, or filling patio tables) this kind of unseasonable chill can put a real freeze on sales.

But just because the weather isn’t playing along doesn’t mean your marketing can’t. In fact, this is a great opportunity to pivot, connect creatively with your audience, and keep your business top of mind. Here are some smart ways to market your business when the forecast isn’t in your favour.

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely focused much of your time and energy on your local audience, and that makes perfect sense. But what if I told you there’s a simple way to grow beyond your town, your region, or even your country?

It’s your website. And it has the power to transform your reach. Read the post to learn more!

As the temperature rises, many small businesses notice a dip in their usual momentum. Customers head off on vacations, spend weekends at the cottage, or are simply caught up in the rhythm of summer—kids at home, barbecues, beach days, and a generally more relaxed pace.

If spring and summer tend to be slower seasons for your business, don’t panic. With a bit of creativity and planning, these months can actually be a great opportunity to connect with your audience in fresh, seasonal ways. Read the blog for a list of marketing ideas!

Everyone’s Talking About SEO – Here’s What You Need to Know

Lately, I’ve been hearing the same question from a lot of my clients:
“What should I be doing for SEO?”

It’s no surprise — as website platforms like Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix have made it easier than ever to build your own site, more entrepreneurs are taking the DIY route. And honestly, that’s amazing! But even the most beautiful site won’t perform well if it’s not being found. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.

If you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t stress. Here are a few simple best practices that can help your site show up in search results — and bring the right people to your digital doorstep. Read further for more…

Social media marketing was once a bold new frontier — a fresh, exciting way for businesses to reach customers directly and authentically. In the early days, all you had to do was set up a profile, start posting, and watch your following grow. There wasn’t much noise, and standing out was relatively easy.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks very different. Read more to find out how the landscape has changed and best practices for small businesses to succeed!

April is right around the corner, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to engage your audience, refresh your content, and take advantage of key social media holidays. Whether you're a service-based business, a retailer, or in the food industry, there are plenty of creative ways to market your brand this month. Let’s dive into April social media holidays and some spring-inspired marketing ideas to help you boost engagement and sales!

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to give your website a little TLC. Just like you’d declutter your home for spring, your website needs an update to stay fresh, functional, and engaging. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or creative, here are some key areas to refresh so your website stays modern, effective, and aligned with your brand.

If you’re a small business owner managing your own social media, you might feel a little awkward promoting your products or services. Putting yourself out there can feel uncomfortable, and the idea of “selling” might make you cringe. But here’s the truth—if you don’t talk about your business, how will people know what you offer?

The ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have created challenges for many Canadian small businesses. While the economic landscape may be uncertain, this is also an opportunity for businesses to rally around Canadian pride and market themselves in creative ways. Without taking a political stance, small business owners can leverage their local identity, community spirit, and homegrown quality to strengthen their brand and connect with customers. Here’s how:

🌸 March is here, and so are fresh opportunities to market your business! 🌟 From International Women’s Day to Pi Day (and even National Noodle Month! 🍜), there are so many creative ways to connect with your audience this month.

Need some inspiration? I’ve rounded up the top social media dates + marketing tips to help you boost engagement and stay ahead.

As a small business owner, staying flexible and adapting to unexpected changes can set you apart. One of the most overlooked opportunities? Using last-minute weather events to your advantage in marketing.

Instagram’s algorithm is always evolving, and if you want to stay ahead, it’s essential to understand how content is ranked and surfaced to users. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or social media manager, knowing what influences your reach can help you optimize your strategy. Let’s break it all down!

February may be a short month, but it’s packed with opportunities to market your business creatively. With Valentine’s Day and the Family Day long weekend (in Canada), there are plenty of ways to connect with your customers, whether you run a product-based or service-based business. Here are some fun and effective ideas to inspire your February marketing strategy.

Instagram’s profile grid format has changed! The traditional square layout is being replaced by a taller grid preview, and this will undoubtedly affect how you create and post content. Don’t worry—this guide will cover everything you need to know, including the exact sizes for every piece of content.

January and February are often considered slower months for many businesses, but they can also be an incredible opportunity to refocus, plan, and prepare for the busy months ahead. With a little creativity and strategy, you can transform these traditionally quiet months into a time of growth and improvement for your business. Here are some actionable tips to make the most of the slow season.